In recent years, more families around the world have welcomed pets into their homes, causing a global surge in demand for pet supplies. With the rise of new players in the industry and the popularity of platforms like TikTok, one trend is catching fire faster than most: DIY pet products. From handmade ID tags to custom pet toilets, creative pet owners—and smart sellers—are tapping into a thriving niche market.
From TikTok to Checkout: Why DIY Pet Content Works
A recent TikTok video showing a pet owner building a homemade potty for their dog using plastic tubs, grass mats, and decorative stones garnered nearly 500,000 views. Another creator, @made.by_amanda, posted a DIY dog tag tutorial and earned over 5 million views and 163,000 likes, with a surge of followers asking for personalized versions and boosting sales.
DIY pet content doesn’t just entertain—it drives conversion. Fun, relatable, and visually engaging, it encourages interaction, triggers emotional connections, and often leads directly to purchase behavior.
Why Is DIY So Popular?
According to scandiweb, the global DIY and hardware market hit $262 billion USD in 2022. Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights reported the handicraft market surpassed $1 trillion USD in 2023, expected to grow to over $2.3 trillion by 2024. In Western markets, DIY culture has expanded from home improvement to fashion, wellness, and now—pet care.
New Pet Market Trends Overseas
- Pet Humanization Is Driving Customization
Western pet owners increasingly treat their animals as family. This “pet parent” mentality boosts demand for personalized and thoughtful items—like custom clothes, matching accessories, or DIY crafts with pet portraits or names. - DIY Gift Potential
Pet-themed handmade items such as keychains, ornaments, embroidery, and tufted pet portraits are emerging as popular holiday gifts. Think DIY pet sweaters for Christmas, or handmade photo frames featuring paw prints for birthdays. - Smart & Eco-Friendly DIY Solutions
66% of consumers are now willing to pay more for sustainable products. Brands that offer DIY kits using eco-friendly materials—biodegradable litter, organic cotton beds, or recycled fabric toys—are well-positioned to lead this shift. At the same time, smart DIY pet tech is also emerging, such as DIY GPS collars or interactive toys built with Arduino kits or mobile apps—blending innovation with play. - IP Collaboration and Pop Culture Tie-Ins
Just like fashion brands cross over with animation or movies, pet products can offer co-branded or themed DIY kits that allow pet lovers to design accessories inspired by pop culture icons. - Pet Parties and Themed Kits
With pet parties growing in popularity, themed DIY decorations, costumes, and gift sets are becoming a hit. For example, a “birthday box” for dogs with DIY treats, hats, and banners.
Who’s Buying?
Research shows that 67% of DIY consumers are women, and 73% of millennials are active in DIY. This overlaps strongly with the pet-owning demographic. The key buyer is a young, urban, trend-driven pet parent who values experience, customization, and self-expression.
Where to Sell DIY Pet Products
While Etsy, Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay remain major third-party marketplaces for DIY goods, Chinese sellers should consider a dual-channel strategy:
- Marketplaces help you scale and test products
- Independent DTC sites help you build brand identity and customer loyalty
Platforms like Shoptop allow sellers to build polished brand stores with custom themes, SKUs, and integrated marketing tools—perfect for showcasing customizable and handmade pet products.
Marketing DIY Pet Products: What Works?
- Short-form videos: Use TikTok and Instagram Reels to show the making process and final result.
- Tutorial + Comment reply: Create engaging “how-to” videos and respond to viewer comments with personalized content.
- UGC & Challenge campaigns: Launch a hashtag challenge like “#DIYPetGiftChallenge” or “#MyPetMyDesign” to drive participation.
- Collaborate with pet influencers: Especially those who are also DIY or craft enthusiasts.
- Tap into niche communities: Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and Pinterest boards for pet lovers and DIYers are perfect spaces for organic seeding.
Final Thoughts
The DIY pet product trend is more than a flash in the pan—it’s a shift in consumer mindset. Pet parents want more meaningful, eco-friendly, and personalized experiences with their furry companions. For Chinese sellers, this is not just a trend to follow but a space to lead.
The key? Combine creative storytelling, high-quality materials, and digital-savvy distribution—and your brand could become the go-to name in DIY pet innovation.